How do you Manage your RV Without a Generator and AC
Post by: Satelliteguy
If your rig does not have a generator or any A/C units, other than the original Over-the-Road equipment, how do you manage living in it on hot summer days? I recall that when I drove a passenger coach several years ago, we would let it run 24 hours a day to keep customers cool when it got hot. I don’t think that would go over well at a campsite or RV park. Any input on the options would be helpful.
Post by: dtcerrato
For our coach, unless it gets higher than the low to mid-80s, sunscreens on most windows, with three roof vents open, will suffice. Otherwise, the roof air will come on when the generator is on. Or we'll use the Over-the-Road A/C with the inverter.
Post by: Dave5Cs
I use split-unit A/Cs, an inverter, and lots of batteries.
Post by: luvrbus
Don't let these guys tell you that a 12,000-BTU mini-split with batteries will replace a 64,000-BTU AC unit on a bus. It doesn't happen in the real world. I know people with $20,000 worth of lithium batteries, two inverters, three 9,000 BTU mini-splits, and solar panels that fight the heat. They think they are in heaven at 100+ degrees if they get the temp inside the bus down to 85 degrees.
Post by: epretot
I did a calculation and quickly determined that simply running a 240V mini-split unit would be fine. No way was solar going to cool the bus sufficiently or economically, and it will kill the battery bank very quickly.
I have a 10kW generator to run the air conditioning units. Also, a transformer is probably more affordable than two inverters. I realize the 120V systems can work, but they're just taking the edge off.
Post by: lvmci
I have three low-profile roof ACs: a 15K BTU unit over the driver’s seat, a 13.5K BTU unit over the kitchen, and a 13.5K BTU unit over the bedroom with a heat strip. No heat pump for me. I live in the desert, with 100°s throughout the summer and 20s and 30°s in the winter. I also have a Propane heater in the living room/kitchen, and the bedroom has one of the new Chinese Diesel heaters. Everything is powered by shore power or my 13.5kW diesel generator, which is fed from my diesel engine tank.
Post by: luvrbus
All those buses with factory air are 64,000- to 105,000-BTU AC and heat units and are difficult to replace. With add-on units, factory conversions like Marathon almost all have at least 60,000 BTU on the roof. Three roof tops on the S&S RV usually provide 45,000 BTU.
Post by: Jim Blackwood
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Phil Lyons has been a Bus Nut and moderator of the BCM forum for many years. He and his wife Ginni live in the central highlands of Arizona. Phil’s day job is in IT Security and Ginni is a retired Registered Nurse.
They are the proud parents and grandparents of daughters, granddaughters, and two spoiled dogs.
Phil and Ginni are part of a bluegrass/gospel trio called Copper Mountain String Along, are members of Bethel Baptist Church in Prescott Valley, and volunteer and serve in various capacities in the church and the community.
RVing has been part of their lives for over 35 years, and they both hope to enjoy the bus lifestyle for many more years.
You can contact Phil via email at
Phil@BusConversionMagazine.com
to open the company's website.
